Kidney function tests are used to assess how well your kidneys are working. These tests can help diagnose kidney diseases, monitor their progression, and evaluate how well treatments are working. Here are some common profiles and tests used to evaluate kidney function:
- Serum Creatinine: Measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product that the kidneys normally filter out. Elevated levels can indicate impaired kidney function.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from the waste product urea. High levels may suggest kidney problems, though BUN can also be affected by other factors like dehydration or high protein intake.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Calculated from the serum creatinine level, age, sex, and sometimes race. It estimates how well the kidneys are filtering blood. An eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 may indicate kidney disease.
- Creatinine Clearance Test: Measures the amount of creatinine cleared from the blood by the kidneys over a 24-hour period. It involves collecting urine for 24 hours and can provide a more precise measure of kidney function.
- Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR): Assesses the amount of albumin (a type of protein) in the urine relative to the amount of creatinine. Elevated levels can indicate kidney damage, particularly in conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- Urinalysis: A general test of the urine that looks for the presence of protein, blood, pus, or other substances. It can provide initial clues about kidney health.
- Cystatin C: An alternative to creatinine for assessing kidney function, especially in cases where creatinine levels might not be accurate, such as in people with very low or very high muscle mass.
- Renal Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the kidneys. It can help identify structural abnormalities or blockages.
- Kidney Biopsy: A procedure where a small sample of kidney tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. It’s usually done if there's a need to diagnose specific types of kidney disease.
- Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, and Bicarbonate: These electrolytes are crucial for various bodily functions and are often included in comprehensive metabolic panels. Abnormal levels can indicate problems with kidney function, as the kidneys help regulate electrolyte balance.
Each of these tests provides different pieces of information about kidney health. Doctors often use a combination of these tests to get a comprehensive view of kidney function and to diagnose or monitor kidney conditions. If you’re getting tested or have questions about your results, it’s best to discuss them with your healthcare provider, who can give you personalized insights based on your health and medical history.
